Final answer:
During congestive heart failure, blood pools in front of the affected ventricle, leading to fluid build-up and symptoms like shortness of breath. Additionally, renin is released by the kidneys to help increase blood volume and pressure, countering the effects of heart failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
During congestive heart failure, the correct statement is that blood pools in front of the affected ventricle. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. This can result in blood backing up into other parts of the circulatory system, causing fluid build-up in the lungs, abdomen, and other areas, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling.
In response to reduced blood flow, the kidneys may release renin, which is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This system acts to increase blood pressure and volume. Renin release leads to the production of angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict and prompts the adrenal gland to release aldosterone, resulting in the kidneys absorbing more sodium and water to increase blood volume and pressure.